On September 3, newly appointed Air Force Chief of Staff Son Seokrak stated, "While strongly supporting the government's efforts to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula with robust air power, I will build an advanced, elite Air Force that is trusted by the people by remaining faithful to the basics and fulfilling our responsibilities."
At the inauguration ceremony for the 42nd Air Force Chief of Staff, held that day at the Gyeryongdae main parade ground and presided over by Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-baek, Chief Son delivered his inaugural address. He called on all service members to maintain a firm, all-encompassing military readiness posture, lead the transformation into an advanced space-capable Air Force, foster Air Force personnel with military expertise and a strong sense of duty, and create a healthy barracks culture based on mutual respect and communication.
Chief Son has held key positions in intelligence operations and education and training, including Commander of the 17th Fighter Wing, Commander of Air Defense and Control Command, Chief of Intelligence at the Combined Forces Command, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Commander of the Education and Training Command. According to the Air Force, he is considered the right person to lead the advancement and elite development of the Air Force through defense reform, as he is recognized for his extensive combined aerospace operations capability and policy planning skills, which will help strengthen the combined defense posture of the South Korea-U.S. Air Forces.
As a captain, he served as a pilot for the Air Force's special flight team, the Black Eagles, and after being promoted to colonel, he served as commander of the 53rd Special Flight Wing, which leads the Black Eagles. He also contributed to the initial deployment and operationalization of the F-15K as a key personnel member, serving as commander of the 122nd Squadron of the 11th Fighter Wing, where he advanced pilot training, tactical doctrine, and training systems.
Meanwhile, former Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Youngsoo retired on this day, marking the end of his 40-year military career.
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